That Can Be Arranged: A Muslim Love Story

By Huda Fahmy

In this graphic memoir, the National Book Award finalist shares her “frank, funny” story of finding a husband as an observant Muslim woman in America (NPR Morning Edition).

Chaperones, suitors, and arranged marriages aren't only reserved for the heroines of a Jane Austen novel. They're just another walk in the park for this leading lady, who is on a mission to find her leading lad. From the brilliant comics Yes, I’m Hot in This, Huda Fahmy tells the hilarious story of how she met and married her husband. Navigating mismatched suitors, gossiping aunties, and societal expectations for Muslim women, That Can Be Arranged deftly reveals to readers what it can be like to find a husband as an observant Muslim woman in the twenty-first century—offering a perceptive and personal glimpse into the sometimes sticky but ultimately rewarding balance of independent choice and tradition.
 
Praise for the work of Huda Fahmy
 
“Explores the complexities of identity . . . hilarious, charming.” —Kirkus Reviews
 
“Entertaining, frequently wry.” —Publishers Weekly

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Mar 10, 2020
• ISBN: 9781524861964

Book preview

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To Gehad.

From His signs is that amongst yourselves He created spouses for you to find tranquility in them; and He put affection and mercy between you.

(Quran 30:21)

Dear Reader,

I can’t wait for you to get into this not so once upon a time tale of love, life, and low self-esteem. In case the cover didn’t give it away, I am a Muslim woman who wears the hijab. That means I cover my hair in public and also wear long, loose clothing to cover the shape of my body.

Because I consider my character an extension of myself, I have made the personal choice to never draw her without hijab. I bring this up because I don’t want you to be confused when you see my character sleeping or going to the salon in her hijab and mistakenly assume that it’s normal hijabi behavior. SO, for the record:

I do not shower with it on.

I do not sleep with it on.

I do take it off to get my hair done.

I do take it off at ladies only weddings.

I do not cover when I’m at home.

I do not cover in front of my husband.

I also want to mention that arranged marriages come in many shapes and sizes. Some couples meet before they wed, while others might not see their betrothed until the day of. Arranged marriages are not to be confused with forced marriages. Contrary to popular belief, forced marriages are not allowed in Islam.

And, this really should go without saying, but say it I shall: this book is specifically about my life experiences and should not be used to make assumptions or generalizations about Muslims

Reviews for That Can Be Arranged

[Aisyah Putri Andhika · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

lucuu, however i still got some reminders from this book

[Dhurata Haxhiislami · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So entertaining and halal ?, well done! I recommend to all.

[Qamariya · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such an entertaining read. Absolutely loved it! Well done Huda :)

[Lynn Anne · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Not only was this book both witty and hilarious, it also single handedly saved me from a book slump. Loved this so much. A definite 5/5 read. Would highly recommend!?

[Maria Rahman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

4.5⭐
.
It's good, witty, quick read, honest and realistic (obviously it's a graphic memoir.) And if you're 25+ years unmarried Muslim girl who loves cat, you can relate more ? .
Huda fahmy put humour, personal commentary, cultural insight, relationship with her parents in this book and balanced them so well that it really made me laugh in quite a few pages.

[bettytaylor56 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This graphic novel was a delightful read – informative, served up with a side of humor. If you have wondered what dating is like in the Muslim world this book is for you. The illustrations throughout the book are really cute.

[librarianryan · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I may not read the webcomic, but I did read Huda’s first book and quite enjoyed it, so it was a pleasure to be granted a digital galley of this title. It was full of comic art, but not quite a comic. It’s part comic, part nonfiction book about how pre-arranged marriages work, and part biography about Huda’s specific experience. I enjoyed every page. I loved seeing a positive book about arranged marriage, and a positive experience with the comic interludes. Over all i think this was well done, funny, and heartwarming. #Booked2020 #popsugarchallenge2020#beatthebacklist

[villemezbrown · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A humorous look at courtship and arranged marriages among Muslim Americans. It's a quick, breezy read that leaves one hungering for a bit more detail about the people involved. The format is sort of a picture book/graphic novel hybrid. Not as funny as the author's first book, but I'll certainly be seeking out whatever project she does next.

[akblanchard_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Cute, G-rated graphic nonfiction about the author and illustrator Huda Fahmy’s lslamic courtship and wedding to the man of her dreams. Informative and entertaining, even if Fahmy has an odd habit of not drawing wrists or fingers.

[deslivres5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a sweet love story, awww! I loved, loved, loved it!This graphic novel had me chuckling throughout.I am familiar with the author and her comic styles because I am a follower on twitter.It was really fun to read this graphic novel and learn more about her personal love story (and her love of all that is Jane Austen).Make sure you read the preface!